11 best Indian restaurants in Liverpool

Finding the best curry house in Liverpool is an important, and often tricky, feat. Taking a gamble on the nearest option is risky business and generally relies on a bit of trial and error. We all know that feeling of disappointment when your favourite gravy-based curry arrives swimming in oil, or the naan breads are lacklustre instead of fluffy and pillow-like.

A good restaurant recommendation is like gold dust - and luckily, we’ve got the ultimate shortlist of the best Indian restaurants in Liverpool to share. So, if you’re struggling to find a spot that quite cuts the mustard, then listen up for our pick of Liverpool’s Indian restaurants.

If you’re after a restaurant that offers all the well-known dishes you’ve come to want and expect from a curry house, we've pinpointed some of the best ones to try. But if a creamy korma just isn’t for you, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a whole world of Indian cuisine that transcends your baltis and bhunas.

It’s a common misconception that Indian food is much the same throughout the subcontinent, and as lovers of Anglicised takeaways, we may be partly to blame. But as Liverpool’s best Indian restaurants clearly demonstrate, regional Indian cuisine is stronger than ever. Whether you fancy a taste of South Indian dosa (a thin, savoury pancake made from rice) near the city centre, Delhi street food in The Ropewalks, or thali by Newsham Park, Liverpool’s curry houses are distinct and diverse. And, you’ll be pleased to hear, many of them offer takeaway services too.

Whatever you’re after, a top-rated Indian-vegan curry, a simple rogan josh, or an ode to pani puri, you’re bound to find the one for you with this round-up of the best Indian spots in Liverpool - these really are the best in town.

Barton Rouge

What: Located a short walk away from Liverpool’s infamous Cavern Club, Barton Rouge is one of the city’s most central Indian restaurants. It’s a great spot for large groups, with a private dining area that seats up to 18 guests. It also caters for special functions such as birthdays, christenings and even weddings.
Where: 26 Exchange Street East, L2 3PH
Book Now: Barton Rouge

Indian Tiffin Room

What: Taking inspiration from the vibrant streets of India and the bustling street markets for which it is known, Indian Tiffin Room is a haven for authentic dosa, chaat and puri. Tiffin is a word for a light meal, but there’s no concern that anyone will go hungry at this stylish city centre restaurant. You’ll also find a vegetarian menu and some fan favourites, like a mild dal makhani and butter chicken, so you can guarantee any spice-phobic guests will be well taken care of.
Where: 130 Duke Street, L1 5AG
Book Now: Indian Tiffin Room Liverpool

Bundobust 

What: Bundobust is a fully vegetarian and vegan Indian restaurant offering small plates/bowls (sharing is encouraged) and craft brew beer in a chilled-out setting. Now, with restaurants in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester, it’s one-of-everything approach is a concept that’s clearly working for them. Expect snack-size, street food-style dishes including okra fries, bhaji butties, paneer tikka and aloo gobi parathas. They also have their own brewery (cool, right?) which produces beer to match the food at the restaurant. Curry and a beer – who's in? 
Where: 17-19 Bold Street, L1 4DN
Book Now: Bundobust

Akshaya

What: Set within The Picture Drome, Akshaya specialises in beloved South Indian and Sri Lankan dishes with a contemporary twist. This is a lively restaurant, where you dine under a floral canopy within a stylishly decked-out dining room glowing with magenta lights. Along with an inspired cocktail list, expect Punjabi samosa, pani puri, Kashmiri rogan josh, and Chettinadu chicken curry. This one’s best reserved for friendly celebrations and romantic dates.
Where: 286 Kensington, L7 2RN
Book Now: Akshaya

Magic Spices 

What: For a smart yet informal Indian meal out, take a trip to Magic Spices in New Brighton, a short drive across the river from Liverpool centre. The dishes on the speciality menu are where the restaurant really stands out. Try Nawaabi Naan (slow-roasted lamb shank), Jinga Goa (a Goan spicy prawn dish) or something cooked in their clay oven. Their food is also available for delivery if you can't quite muster the enthusiasm to leave home. 
Where: 225 Seabank Road, New Brighton, CH45 1HE 
Book Now: Magic Spices

Mowgli

What: Since opening in 2014, Mowgli has established itself as one of the best Indian restaurants in Liverpool, and now the UK, with over 10 more Mowglis open around the country. Both the flavour and the vibes are bright and vibrant at this restaurant, boasting a menu that’s bursting with zingy, flavour-packed dishes. Try the 'angry bird' for spiced chicken thighs with tangy slaw or the ‘tea-steeped’ chickpeas with a tomato and spinach sauce. There are also dedicated vegan and gluten-free menus, as well as sharing, set and Christmas offerings, too.
Where: 69 Bold Street, L1 4EZ
Book Now: Mowgli Liverpool Bold Street

Yukti The Art Kitchen 

What: If Thali is your thing, a style of eating that involves serving lots of dishes on a round platter, then Yukti offers a menu that caters specifically for that. All Thali mains are served with rice, tarka dhal, kadai aloo, raita and salad (£20 per person with a welcome drink). We were intrigued by the a la carte menu too, which features dishes such as banana pakoras with tamarind chutney, lamb kofta with desiccated coconut and black lentils cooked with butter and tomatoes.
Where: 393 Prescot Road, L13 3BS 
Book Now: Yukti The Art Kitchen

Sultan's Palace

What: Representing the north west frontier, Sultan’s Palace pays homage to Tandoor and Mughlai cuisine. Expect richly marinated meats, plenty of aromatics, and charcoal cooking. The menu is familiar, with additions like chicken tikka, seekh kebabs, and paneer jalfrezi, but each dish follows traditional techniques whereby the depth of flavour is locked in by cooking at extremely high temperatures. Plus, with lavish interiors, carvings, and perforated screens you’re bound to feel like royalty.
Where: 75-77 Victoria Street, L1 6DE
Book Now: Sultan's Palace

Sanskruti 

What: Serving only vegetarian and vegan dishes, the food at Sanskruti is influenced by a melting pot of cooking styles and food across India. Find Punjabi and Gujurati mains, South Indian dosas (all served with sambhar and coconut chutney) and Thali platters. There’s also a section of the menu that’s dedicated entirely to street food, from pani puri to kacchi dabeli, which is basically a spiced potato burger. We think it's one of Liverpool’s top Indian restaurants to try. 
Where: Bixteth Street, L3 9LP 
Book Now: Sanskruti Liverpool

Spice City 

What: You can’t get much more central than Spice City in Liverpool, which offers both eat-in and takeaway services. The extensive menu covers signature dishes, traditional plates, grills, specialities and plenty of starters and sides. Starters begin from £5, sides are around £4 while most main dishes won’t set you back more than £13. There’s something for everyone at a reasonable price here.
Where: 18 Stanley Street, L1 6AF 
Book Now: Spice City

EastZEast

What: Showcasing the very best of Punjabi cuisine, and the rich buttery flavours for which it’s known, EastZEast is a modern restaurant with exceptional service and a laid-back atmosphere. You’ll find it right on King’s Dock, making it a great spot to refuel after an afternoon of sightseeing. There’s plenty of choice, whether you’ve got a hankering for creamy curries, smoky grilled meats, or fragrant biryanis.
Where: King’s Dock, Keel Wharf, L3 4BX
Book Now: EastZEast

Planning a trip to the capital of the north? Check out our round-up of the very best Indian restaurants in Manchester so you can warm yourself up in 'the rainy city.'